In a timely step towards fostering inclusivity and representation, three leading PR practitioners have unveiled the Asian Communications Network, a pioneering initiative dedicated to empowering ethnically diverse professionals within the UK’s communications industry.
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This network seeks to address the pressing need for greater representation, support, and inclusion of professionals from Asian backgrounds, aiming to reshape the industry’s landscape and champion diversity at every level.
Research from both the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) indicates that only 5% of the industry is represented by Asian PR professionals, despite the 2021 census showing that 9.3% of the population of England and Wales is British Asian. Adjacent industries, such as media and marketing, face similar challenges in attracting and retaining ethnically diverse professionals.
Advita Patel, CEO of CommsRebel and president-elect of CIPR stated: “True diversity and inclusion go beyond token gestures; they require a deep commitment to embedding equitable practices into the very fabric of the communications industry. It’s about creating an environment where every voice is heard and valued, fostering not just representation but genuine belonging.”
Farzana Baduel, CEO of Curzon PR, added: “Representation delivers across our industry’s triple bottom line: our people, the public, and profit. PR campaigns and media outlets lacking inclusion have real-world consequences, as seen in vaccine hesitancy during COVID-19. Recent media coverage and rhetoric around immigration and minorities have severely impacted ethnic minority communities, undermining social cohesion and our country’s values of tolerance and respect.”
Shayoni Lynn, CEO, Lynn said: “Misinformation is one of the biggest threats to society, as we have seen in the last two weeks in the UK. As responsible communicators, our professional obligation is to combat these threats to society by fostering understanding, trust, and collaboration between communities. A forum like ACN provided much-needed reassurance to our colleagues during these difficult weeks, and we hope that we are able to provide support in many more ways to shine a spotlight on the talent, energy, and expertise that colleagues from Asian backgrounds bring to our PR and Communications industry.”
Addressing the diversity gap
The ACN will focus on the following three drivers of progress:
Membership
Free membership is available for all, with opportunities to invest in an elevated paid tier for £15 p/m. Since the member sign-up launch, over 200 members have joined the ACN community.
The launch of the Asian Communications Network is especially timely as it coincides with South Asian Heritage Month and comes in the wake of race riots in the UK, fueled by disinformation and misinformation. These events underscore the urgent need for greater ethnic cohesion and accurate representation in media, marketing, and public relations.
The ACN aims to combat these divisive forces and promote a more unified and understanding society by fostering a diverse and inclusive industry.
Its first supper club takes place in London on Wednesday, August 21st, 2024. Those who are interested in attending can register via the website. Further events are planned for Autumn 2024.
The ACN is open to British Asians and allies outside the British Asian ethnic community who believe in our shared mission to uphold British values of diversity, tolerance and respect.
For more information on how to join:
For more information on how to support the ACN:
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